Jordan Henderson Eager to Return to Premier League After Saudi Arabia Stint
After just five months of playing for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly eager to make a return to the Premier League. Henderson’s decision to join Steven Gerrard’s team in the summer drew criticism, as he went against the principles he had upheld throughout his career. Since then, he has played 19 matches and only won five times.
According to Matt Hughes, the chief sports reporter for the Mail, Henderson has struggled to adapt to the heat and humidity in Saudi Arabia and is seriously considering any offers the club receives this month. A tweet from Jack Lusby suggests that many people predicted the downfall of the players once they left Liverpool.
It’s unlikely that Liverpool fans will sympathize with Henderson’s situation, as he chose to create it himself. He now finds himself playing in front of crowds of less than 1,000 and his team is currently eighth in the table, far behind the leaders. The report also states that Henderson has informed his teammates that he is considering his options and would be willing to take a pay cut for a move.
While Henderson previously claimed to have no regrets about his move and that his values hadn’t changed, it’s clear that the lure of a hefty paycheck may have influenced his decision. It’s a predictable story arc of the season, and it’s likely that other players who made similar moves will also seek a return in the near future.
However, it’s certain that Henderson won’t be returning to Anfield as a Red. His controversial choice to support a nation with human rights violations has tarnished his reputation among Liverpool supporters.